This winter, the influenza virus has sent an above-average number of people to hospital and has killed at least eight  Canadians, according to media reports. This has spurred many to get the flu shot in recent weeks and take other preventive measures.

Microbiologist Jason Tetro, known as “the germ guy,” says there are important steps people should take at home and in public to prevent catching the influenza virus, such as disinfecting high-touch surfaces with steam and frequently washing their hands. He also says vaccinations are key to stopping a pandemic flu outbreak.

Author of the books The Germ Files and The Germ Code, Tetro is an expert on infection prevention and control.

He is available for media interviews.

Contact: Prof. Jason Tetro

College of Biological Science

jtetro@uoguelph.ca